France, Aug. 28 -- The changes mark a major shift for a region where Kurds had built up significant political and military autonomy during more than a decade of civil war.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - which served as the de facto army of the Kurdish administration and played a major role in the fight against the Islamic State group - announced its dissolution on Tuesday after its forces were integrated into the Syrian army.

Damascus has also offered assurances over Kurdish rights.

On Thursday, Syria's education ministry authorised Kurdish-language classes alongside Arabic and English in public and private schools in areas where Kurds make up a significant share of the population.

The decision follows a decree signed by interim...